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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

My love affair with luxury candles began on Valentine’s Day 2010. My husband and I took a weekend trip to a nearby small town known for its quaint gift shops, antique stores, and rustic charm. We sauntered in and out of several shops along the main street, but one particular gift shop stood out. Upon entering the store I was immediately drawn in by a wonderful fragrance, which enticed me to explore further. The source of the lovely aroma was a candle, burning steadily and beautifully. The fragrance was Trapp Lemongrass Verbena, and I just had to have it. I was already a big fan of lemongrass—in love with the mildly sweet and refreshing citrus fragrance, but the addition of vanilla in this candle added a calming, tranquil effect. After lingering in the shop for what seemed like hours and sniffing all the Trapp candles, my husband agreed that Lemongrass Verbena was a good choice. In addition to the candle, we purchased the home fragrance mist and a couple of votives. Thus, the addiction was born.

After happily burning my new candle every day, I searched the web to see where I could buy more Trapp products. I found several online sources and a few local retailers who carried Trapp. I spent quite a bit of time perusing websites, reading and comparing, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast selection of luxury home fragrance products. Several more weeks passed before I finally decided to place an online order with Candles off Main. I found their website appealing and easy to navigate, and I enjoyed reading the blog posts too. Their active Facebook page made the ‘who-will-get-my-business?’ decision even easier. I found useful information, fun contests/giveaways, and a growing number of fans who seemed helpful and friendly. After all, I was (and still am) a true novice when it comes to luxury home fragrances. I lurked and learned for many weeks before I built up the courage to post on the COM Facebook page.

Fast forward many months—and now I feel like part of the family, posting photos of my candles and joining the discussions. I continue to learn a great deal from the faithful fans and customers of Candles off Main, and I appreciate all the great tips and personal recommendations. I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I’ve received as a COM customer, and I’ll continue as a ‘top fan’ until my flame burns out.

I’m grateful that Candles off Main maintains a strong social media presence and allows candle fanatics to congregate in a virtual safe haven—their Facebook page. For those of us who live thousands of miles from the shop in Annapolis (which I dream of visiting someday), we have a cozy place to share our enthusiastic love of luxury candles and home fragrances.

My 3 favorite products at Candles off Main:

Voluspa Mandarino Cannela
The fragrance of this candle is a refined blend of orange and cinnamon—but not your typical holiday fragrance. There is a spirited and sophisticated vibe, with a robust note of fresh ginger peeking through to grab your attention. The vanilla adds a luxurious creaminess, and the nutmeg perfectly complements the other components. Mandarino Cannela has a sanguine quality that is invigorating--and quickly brightens a dull day. The red glass vessel adds an extra touch of distinction to this beautiful fragrance, and I’ll never tire of it.

Aura Karma
It’s difficult to choose my favorite Aura candle, but Karma stands out as the perfect soft blend of sweetness and spiciness. A purifying fragrance emerges from this candle and wraps me in its arms, filling my spirit with peacefulness. When I burn this candle at the end of an arduous day, the lovely aroma filters the toxins and carries them away. Serenity is mine, and a restful sleep awaits me. If this fragrance is my “fate” then so be it—I readily accept it.

Voluspa Macaron
Macaron is a confectionery delight for my senses, yet more comforting and soothing than a cookie or pastry could ever be. There’s a deep, rich quality to this fragrance that I imagine is scrumptiously similar to a genuine Macaron de Paris. I can’t get enough of this candle; it leaves me wanting more and more. The perfect complement to a relaxing bubble bath, I usually prefer to stay in close proximity to this candle because the throw is not as strong as other Voluspa candles. However, the divine aroma is a panacea for all problems, big and small. All is well in my world after burning Macaron.